Patents by Inventor Conrad Bullion

Conrad Bullion has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11969912
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 11772294
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system for shape sawing wood may include a feed unit and a saw box pivotably coupled to, and suspended from, one end of the feed unit. The saw box may be coupled to the side walls of the feed unit by pivot pins that define a rotational axis. A motor may be mounted to one side of the saw box to drive a saw arbor in rotation. The system may include an actuator that is selectively actuable to pivot the saw box about the rotational axis relative to the feed unit. Another actuator may be provided to move the saw box laterally along the pivot members. The feed unit may be slideably mounted on rails and selectively movable along the rails relative to a feed axis that extends through the saw box and the feed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20220055246
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 11192275
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10788265
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20200238562
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system for shape sawing wood may include a feed unit and a saw box pivotably coupled to, and suspended from, one end of the feed unit. The saw box may be coupled to the side walls of the feed unit by pivot pins that define a rotational axis. A motor may be mounted to one side of the saw box to drive a saw arbor in rotation. The system may include an actuator that is selectively actuable to pivot the saw box about the rotational axis relative to the feed unit. Another actuator may be provided to move the saw box laterally along the pivot members. The feed unit may be slideably mounted on rails and selectively movable along the rails relative to a feed axis that extends through the saw box and the feed unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Patent number: 10647018
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20190120553
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Clinton SPANGLER, Conrad BULLION
  • Patent number: 10161679
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20180272559
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10011041
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20180056539
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Patent number: 9724839
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20170219285
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
  • Patent number: 9500408
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20160332326
    Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9168669
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: USNR, LLC
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20150121714
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20140238548
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion
  • Publication number: 20140238547
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: U. S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad Bullion